CERC clears path for Adani’s Khavda HVDC project, POWERGRID’s Bellary line
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued orders proposing the grant of transmission licences for two interstate transmission system (ISTS) projects for strengthening renewable energy evacuation infrastructure in Gujarat and Karnataka. Both projects will be developed under the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) route.
The first order relates to an application filed by Adani Energy Solutions Limited and KPS III HVDC Transmission Limited. AESL emerged as the successful bidder with quoted annual transmission charges of Rs 23,917.69 million.
The project, titled “Transmission System for Evacuation of Power from potential renewable energy zone in Khavda area of Gujarat under Phase-V (8GW): Part C,” involves establishment of a ±500 kV High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) terminal at KPS3 and South Olpad for evacuation of 2,500 MW of renewable energy.
CERC also rejected objections raised by local stakeholders in Gujarat over the project’s public notice, which they argued lacked details such as land survey numbers. The Commission stated that the notice complied with transmission licensing regulations and clarified that land identification and route alignment issues are addressed separately under the Section 164 process of the Electricity Act, 2003. The order effectively removes a key procedural obstacle for the AESL-led project. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for May 19, 2026.
In a separate order, the Commission considered the application of POWERGRID Bellary Davanagere Transmission Limited, formerly known as Bellary Davanagere Power Transmission Limited. Power Grid Corporation of India Limited secured the project with quoted annual transmission charges of Rs 1,300.00 million.
The scheme, titled “Transmission system strengthening for integration of additional RE potential at Davanagere (0.25 GW) and Bellary (2.75 GW),” includes augmentation of transformation capacity through installation of new interconnecting transformers (ICTs) and development of a second 400 kV double-circuit transmission line between Bellary and Davanagere.
Central Transmission Utility of India Limited recommended the grant of licences for both projects, stating that they had received approval from the National Committee on Transmission and are required for renewable energy integration in the respective regions.
The Commission also confirmed that the bidding processes were conducted in line with the Ministry of Power’s competitive bidding guidelines. The Khavda project bidding process was managed by PFC Consulting Limited, while the Bellary-Davanagere project was handled by REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited.
Both projects are targeted for commercial operation within 24 to 48 months from their respective effective dates.
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